Afternoon,

I want to buy a “nice” pair of shoes to wear initially on my wedding day but also as a posh pair thereafter.

I would like a proper pair of English, handmade shoes and so don’t mind throwing a bit of money at the problem! They will need to be a classic shape but no to boring.

Can anyone suggest which manufacturers to aim at or avoid?

Church’s, Crockett and Jones, Cheaney or if you want to go mad, John Lobb. All of them have factory shops in and around Northampton if you want to pay a bit less.

Also Grenson, Trickers, and if you live near Oxford, Ducker and Sons in the Turl.

(I would also give an honourable mention to Oliver Sweeney, but all his shoes are now sourced from an Italian factory).

Proper artisan shoe…..a contemporary design ethos

*Voms*

🙂

A different Ducker. Not using the most recent buzz-words to make themselves sound better. 🙂 Oh, and as far as I know, the real Duckers have never spammed a bike forum. They do make lovely shoes, though.

http://www.duckerandson.co.uk/

all the above shoes are fine English welted shoes but they are not handmade

For the price of a pair of Lobb shoes, I’d expect them to be woven silken gold..!

All the names mentioned are fantastic, and highly recommended.

I’m heavy on my shoes (I don’t rotate them enough). so, I’m now reviving some tired Loakes and Barkers to see me through another few years.

EDIT: headmaster at my prep school wore Duckers. But then he fancied the young girls there, so be careful what you’re buying into..!

http://www.edwardgreen.com/flash/index.html

how about,

i reckon you could get your wedding date put on them

http://www.rocket7.com/shoes.htm

not handmade in england though, but the usa

Grenson

Not what they once were now that much of their manufacturing has been moved to India.

Their brogue look is, however, v fashionable these days.

CFH,
Also very long-lasting if treated well – I still have the three pairs that I bought in the Eighties.
I doubt that any bookmaker truly makes anything entirely by hand other than a last.

DrLex, I got my first pair in the eighties as well, and still going very strong. Might be treating myself to a new pair of something from them sometime soon.

Bought some boots made by rm williams a couple of years back. Best shoes I have ever bought bar none. Australian though…..lifetime repair warranty.

I’m heavy on my shoes (I don’t rotate them enough)

I can’t rotate mine at all, they are stuck fast no matter how much I loosen the laces !!

Ok, so not English, but a lovely video of a handmade shoe…

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE8fhKoRNbU&feature=player_embedded#![/video]

Quarryman, that’s my favourite boot brand too- currently four pairs on rotation, all five+ years old. Sad to say, I have more footwear than my wife (but fewer handbags)…

Quarryman, that’s my favourite boot brand too- currently four pairs on rotation, all five+ years old. Sad to say, I have more footwear than my wife (but fewer handbags)…

Surprising how many people have never heard of them. Bulletproof and a bit different. Pricey mind!

barkers

Does the op want handmade or made to measure ? That would be the way to be really niche .It may only be worth it if you have huge feet like me (14 s )and struggle to find shoes to fit

Handmade ideally, made to measure is a little above my means.

Grenson

Not what they once were now that much of their manufacturing has been moved to India.

Their brogue look is, however, v fashionable these days.

I’d steer clear. I bought a pair of Oxfords from Grenson about two years ago, and i wish i hadn’t. They’ve not worn very well at all.

custom made tricker’s.
https://www.shoehealer.co.uk/Tricker_s/Custom_Made_Tricker_s_Gallery/